BALANCE THE ELUSIVE QUALITY (Part 3 of 3)
This Issue:
THE THIRD ELEMENT - "HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT"
The key ingredient for turning and spinning in balance.


As mentioned in the two previous issues, there are
three main elements necessary to develop
excellent balance.

The First Element (Part 1 of 3) - "THE SUPPORTING LEG"
Refers to the constant awareness of the supporting leg
which is necessary for good body balance. It is the
supporting leg that sustains the body upright.

The Second Element (Part 2 of 3) -"VERTICAL ALIGNMENT'
Refers to the vertical alignment of the three main
body blocks:
1) Knees
2) Hips
3) Shoulders
The vertical alignment will allow you to stay on your
toes in perfect balance, and master the rise and fall
in dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot.

The third Element - "HORIZONTAL ALIGNEMENT"
(which we will concentrate on in this issue)
Refers to the horizontal alignment of the hip line
as well as the shoulder line. The key ingredient for
turning and spinning in balance.


PRINT THIS PAGE AND TRY THE FOLLOWING EXERCISE

Stand with your feet together, balance on your left
foot (let the arms hang straight down on both sides
of the body).

Keeping elbows in place, bring your arms forward
as if carrying a tray (you can use an actual tray as a
prop for this exercise).

Slowly lift your Right Knee up in front of you as high
as you can and point the toes downward. Sustain
that position for a moment concentrating on the
supporting column or left side of the body.

Slowly lower your left leg down and transfer
your weight.

Slowly lift your Left Knee in front of you as high
as you can and point toes downward. Sustain
that position for a moment concentrating on the
supporting column or right side of the body.

Slowly lower your leg down and transfer
your weight.

Repeat several times alternating legs.

Advanced Tips
As you practice this exercise, relax the knees and
lift the pelvis up by shortening the stomach muscles
and stretching the lower back. Picture the hips as
if they were on a pedestal- perfectly horizontal.

When you find the correct body position, you will
notice that your body is perfectly aligned vertically
as well as horizontally. You will also become very
aware of the axis or column that supports your body.

Practice the three main elements of balance, and you
will enjoy a tremendous control of your body.
All of your movements will be more dynamic,
rhythmic, and graceful - on and off the dance floor.


Click here for "How to Become a Good Dancer Video Series" ...

Balance is, without a doubt, a prerequisite to good dancing. Therefore, one of the major benefits of dancing is the development of good balance and poise.

So, how do you go about developing the elusive quality of balance? You start by understanding the three following elements and practice a few simple exercises to develop them:


The Supporting Leg
Vertical Alignment
Horizontal alignment

In this article we will be providing you with an easy exercise to develop your first element. An awareness of your supporting leg.

The First Element - "The Supporting Leg"

(Print this Tip so you can try this little walking exercise as you read it).

WALKING EXERCISE 1

Stand in a hallway or any other area where you can take several walking steps.

Stand with your weight on your right foot with your left foot free. Take your first step, concentrating on your left foot as it moves forward. As you transfer weight, your right foot becomes your free foot. This time concentrate on your right foot as it moves forward.comedian directory Singlebörse Hannover


Keep moving forward repeating this process of walking and concentrating on the free leg.

What did you notice - It felt normal didn't it? Well that is generally the way people walk; concentrating on the free foot as they move from one leg to the other.

WALKING EXERCISE 2

Now we want you to try the same walking exercise with a little spring.

Stand again with your weight on the right foot with your left foot free. To start the walk, compress your right leg a little by pressing downwards with your body, (allow the knee to flex some), then spring forward off of your right foot. Concentrate on your right leg until the weight is transferred to the other leg.

Repeat the same process on the left leg. Compress the left leg and spring forward from the left foot, concentrating on the left leg until the weight is transferred.tom and jery Gaming Computer


Keep moving forward repeating this process of walking and concentrating on the supporting leg.

What did you notice - it felt more powerful didn't it? With a little practice you will discover two major things. Your walk becomes stronger and you are able to arrive on the other leg in complete balance and control ready for the next move.